Amaranth oil is a vegetable oil that is extracted from the grain amaranth. Recent research has shown that amaranth oil supports a variety of different health benefits. Most of the health benefits come from the nutrient squalene, which is considered to have antioxidant properties and is believed to have anti-cancer and detoxifying properties. Additionally, Amaranth oil also provides Tocotrienol, an effective Vitamin E, from Linoleic Acid, and Oleic Acid. Amaranth oil can be ingested orally (only if it’s cold-pressed), it can be used topically, and it can be used as an ingredient for health and beauty products.

The following are scientifically known facts of Amaranth oil:

1. Helps to lower blood pressure [1]
2. Can be used for treatment of cardiovascular diseases [1]
3. Has up to 8% Squalene- Squalene is believed to decrease the risk of developing cancer cells and inhibit the growth of new cancer cells [2].
4. Is the highest plant-based source of squalene- Squalene strengthens the immune system [2] and prevents catching a cold or virus, being sick a lot, allergies, and fatigue [3].
5. Has on average 46-50% Linoleic Acid, a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid- Linoleic Acid has shown to be helpful for: Diabetic neuropathy, Rheumatoid arthritis, Allergies, Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Breast cancer, Eczema, High blood pressure (Hypertension), Menopausal symptoms, Mastalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, Osteoporosis, and Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) [4].
6. Has on average 22-26% Oleic Acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid- Oleic Acid is considered one of the healthiest sources of fat [5]. It has shown to have a positive effect on the treatment of cancer, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and facilitates wound healing [6].
7. Has the Vitamin E, Tocotrienol- Tocotrienol is known to cure non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [7], can improve end-stage liver disease (ESLD) [8], improve the function of arteries [9], and lower cholesterol [10].
8. Protects the skin from lipid peroxidation [11] and is an effective moisturizer [1] with the help of squalene

Written by Waldemar Juschin, MBA

[1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1779269/

[2] http://www.scienceforlife.eu/tekst%20role%20of%20squale%20in%20health.htm

[3] http://www.diagnose-me.com/symptoms-of/weakened-immune-system.html

[4] http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/omega6-fatty-acids

[5] http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-oleic-acid.htm

[6] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23278117

[7] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23363012

[8] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22298568

[9] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17330512

[10] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11516635

[11] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7742356